Summary:Newly filmed performances from Darren Criss, Jarvis Cocker, America Ferrera, Jackie Hoffman, Jeremy Jordan, Audra McDonald, Laura Osnes, and Will Swenson, are featured in the documentary directed by James Lapine that focuses on six of Stephen Sondheim's songs: "I’m Still Here" from TheNewly filmed performances from Darren Criss, Jarvis Cocker, America Ferrera, Jackie Hoffman, Jeremy Jordan, Audra McDonald, Laura Osnes, and Will Swenson, are featured in the documentary directed by James Lapine that focuses on six of Stephen Sondheim's songs: "I’m Still Here" from The Follies, “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story; “Opening Doors” from Merrily We Roll Along; “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music; “Being Alive” from Company; and “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George.…Expand

Lapine's direction is almost the star of Six by Sondheim. Not only has he used the six songs to illuminate the composer's life, he organizes years and years of interviews as if they are an ongoing conversation--which, in many ways, they are. They are the monograph of the life and art of a singular man, perfectly assembled, bit by bit, piece by piece.

Sondheim’s frequent collaborator James Lapine directs, and he does an excellent job of stitching together interviews from more than four decades, including ones with Mike Douglas and Diane Sawyer, to form a portrait of the composer as both a young and an old man.

Sondheim comes off as distant and a bit cool here, reluctant to make eye contact and often speaking with a professorial air even when he’s talking about himself. But what most people want in Sondheim isn’t a drinking buddy. It’s a musical composer, and in that he qualifies on all counts.

The best thing I've seen on TV all year: propulsive pace, lapidary editing, brand-new and period performances that kill, and best of all,The best thing I've seen on TV all year: propulsive pace, lapidary editing, brand-new and period performances that kill, and best of all, Sondheim himself: a brilliant, self-knowing raconteur, blazing with both attitude and gratitude.…Collapse

I am not a musical theater buff, far from it. But i thought the Sondheim show was one of the best things I've seen on TV in a long time. ItI am not a musical theater buff, far from it. But i thought the Sondheim show was one of the best things I've seen on TV in a long time. It was an amazingly well edited collection (the editor deserves ad Emmy) of clips from 30+ talk show appearances over 40 years. There were so many great explanations of how to write, how to be creative, how to think about the creative process, that the show transcended musical theater. Even if you know a lot about Sondheim, this show will make you think about more. Please do find it and watch it.…Expand